Street Light Service Requests - San Jose, CA

Utilities and Infrastructure California 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 06, 2026 Flag of California

San Jose, California residents and property managers can request installation or repair of street lighting through city services and Public Works. This guide explains how to identify responsibility, submit a service request, what permits or developer responsibilities may apply, and expected enforcement pathways. It is written for San Jose, California and summarizes city departments, common action steps, and official resources to make a clear, trackable request for repair or new installation.

Who is responsible

The City of San Jose Public Works Department manages most municipal street lights on city-owned poles and facilities. Utility-owned lights (Pacific Gas & Electric, or other franchise utilities) are handled by the utility under franchise or easement agreements; responsibility depends on pole ownership and the location.

How to request service

Report outages, damaged poles, or requests for new installation through the City of San Jose service request system or by calling 311 (or the City 311 line from outside city limits). Include the exact location, pole or pole number if visible, a photo, and whether lights are completely out or flickering.

  • Provide the exact address or intersection and pole number if available.
  • Use the city service portal or call 311 to file the request.
  • Attach photos showing the problem and any safety hazards.
  • If the request is for a new installation tied to private development, review encroachment and electrical permit requirements with Public Works and Building.
Save your service request number and take photos for follow up.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and maintenance of street lighting involve multiple authorities: the City of San Jose Public Works Department for municipal lights and electric utilities for utility-owned fixtures. Specific monetary fines or daily penalties for noncompliance regarding street light maintenance are not specified on the city pages referenced in Resources below.

  • Enforcer: City of San Jose Public Works Department for municipal assets; utilities enforce obligations on their owned equipment.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures and fine ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative repair orders, permit holds, or civil actions may be used when duties are not met; specific remedies and procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Inspection and complaint pathway: file a service request with the City; Public Works will triage and notify responsible party.
  • Appeals/review: review and appeal procedures and time limits are not specified on the cited page; contact Public Works for procedural details.
If a public hazard exists, report immediately and document the issue with photos.

Applications & Forms

Typical processes include a standard service request for repairs and, for new installations associated with construction, encroachment and electrical/building permits. Fee schedules for installation or permit processing are not specified on the cited pages; contact the listed departments for rates and submittal instructions.

Action steps

  • Identify and note the exact location and any pole identification.
  • File an online service request or call 311 to report the issue.
  • Follow up with the service request number; escalate to Public Works if unresolved.
  • For installations tied to development, apply for encroachment and building/electrical permits as required.

FAQ

Who fixes street lights in San Jose?
The City of San Jose Public Works Department maintains city-owned street lights; utility-owned lights are handled by the utility company.
How do I report a street light that is out?
File a service request through the City of San Jose service portal or call 311; include location, pole number, and photos if possible.
Do I need a permit for a new street light?
New installations linked to private development typically require encroachment and building/electrical permits; contact Public Works and the Building Division for requirements.

How-To

  1. Locate the nearest address or intersection and any pole identification.
  2. Take clear photos showing the issue and any hazard.
  3. Submit a service request via the City of San Jose service portal or call 311 and provide details and photos.
  4. Keep your request number and follow up with Public Works if there is no response within a reasonable timeframe.
  5. If the issue concerns a new installation tied to development, contact Public Works for permits and fee information before work begins.

Key Takeaways

  • Report outages via the city service system or 311 with location and photos.
  • New installations often require permits; consult Public Works and Building.
  • Document and save your service request number for follow up.

Help and Support / Resources

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